Last September he revealed how his medical team had succeeded in “considerably” reducing the size of the main tumour on his liver.

However he also revealed how the team had told him about the necessity for a transplant.

He said his cancer was “inoperable” and couldn't be removed by surgery. Doctors suggested a liver transplant may represent his best hope of recovery.

The former presidential candidate also said he believes his illness is related to the stress he incurred during the past few years.

TUMOUR

He said: “It's an inoperable cancer, it's a tumour on the liver.

“It's related to the fact I had viral hepatitis 20 years ago and with all the stress I had in the past couple of years, it's come back as cancer.”

But he has always remained upbeat and positive about the future. Mr Flynn said that his friend was not alone in needing a transplant and there were many people, such as those with cystic fibrosis, who put their lives on hold while on the transplant list.

“Dr Norris is not alone, there are tens of thousands of people who have liver complaints and many more of these operations will be necessary in the future” he said.